Who
we are
IOI is a non-profit organization that designs
educational adventures to empower isolated communities to grow in a
sustainable way. We strive to help establish ecological sustainability and
social stability in our host communities. As such, our mission is to provide
international education programs that support the education, conservation, and
social development of isolated communities by assisting local institutions in
sustainably handling the human-environmental intersection.
What
we do
- We develop and implement our outreach projects with local
institutions to ensure their sustainable implementation. Our projects address pressing conservation, education, and social development needs. Our partners include the Galapagos National Park, the Biodiversity Protection Agency, the local school system, and the provincial government.
- We provide volunteer opportunities in conservation, education, and social development, providing our participants with life changing
experiences, and our local partners with funding, expertise, and (wo)man
power on site.
- We immersive study abroad programs in which students spend
up to 3 months studying the local environment and learn the local culture. All our programs are based on cultural integration and service learning.
Where
we work
We work in the community of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador. Our 5k beach is right across the street and the Volcano Sierra Negra is basically in our backyard. From Marine to Mountain, snorkeling to camping, nature is at our doorstep!
Our
history
Since embarking on our journey in 2006, IOI has evolved into a mature
and recognized organization with an innovative design of merging educational
travel with conservation and community development. We began in Galapagos and,
after 10 years of experience, have expanded to Cuba and Costa Rica.
Vision and Mission
We Empower Isolated Communities to Grow in a Sustainable
Way. It is our Vision to help establish ecological sustainability
and social stability in our host communities. Our mission is to provide international education programs
that support the education, conservation, and social development of isolated communities
by assisting local institutions in sustainably handling the human-environmental
intersection.
Who
are we looking for
We are looking for adventurous volunteers ready to travel to remote parts of
the world to make an impact on conservation and education projects. Our volunteers should be
flexible, understanding, and respectful of the local cultural
context. Depending on the position, we ask that our volunteers are physically able to work outside,
sometimes in extreme weather conditions (think the tropics!) and be able to
work on a team and individually.
Why
choose us..
- It's a unique opportunity to gain insight and
firsthand experience in the the world of hands-on conservation
and environmental management
- All of our locations are unique and have exceptional
beauty and biodiversity.
- Our sites are slow lane kinds of
places. If you need a break, this is your ideal escape.
- You will learn Spanish and immerse
yourself in the community--you'll finish your time volunteering
feeling like a local!
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